Rahul Gandhi performs puja before filing nomination from Rae Bareli, said this

UP Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi has also filed nomination from Rae Bareli seat of Uttar Pradesh. Before filing nomination he performed puja at party office. He was accompanied by Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka.

After being elected to Rajya Sabha, Sonia Gandhi had decided not to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Rae Bareli.

Rahul Gandhi posted on social media, saying, "Nomination from Rae Bareli was an emotional moment for me! My mother has handed over the family's work land to me with great trust and has given me the opportunity to serve it."

Meanwhile, regarding Kishori Lal Sharma, who was made the candidate from Amethi, Rahul Gandhi said that he has been serving the area for a long time.

Rahul Gandhi said, "Amethi and Rae Bareli are not different for me, both are my family and I am happy that Kishori Lal ji, who has been serving the region for 40 years, will represent the party from Amethi."

He said, "In the ongoing fight for justice against injustice, I seek the love and blessings of my loved ones. I am confident that you all stand with me in this fight to save the Constitution and democracy."

Gandhi evading contest with Irani: BJP

The BJP has seized upon the Congress party's decision to nominate Mr. Gandhi from Raebareli and loyalist Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi, accusing Gandhi of evading a contest with Union Minister Smriti Irani, who defeated him in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the attack, claiming Gandhi had "fled." At a rally in Bengal, Modi urged Gandhi not to fear or run away.

Smriti Irani also criticized Rahul Gandhi and his family, interpreting their absence from the Amethi race as an admission of defeat even before the polls. She remarked that if they believed victory was possible, they would have contested directly instead of using a proxy candidate. Irani further asserted that someone rejected by Amethi and seeking refuge in Wayanad couldn't truly represent Raebareli.

The elections in Amethi and Raebareli are scheduled for May 20, during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.